Your opinion

[PDXErik]

Originally Posted by StrictlyScales

My intention .

The road to hell is paved with intention.

edit: BPs like confined spaces, they feel more comfortable there. In the open, they are subject to predators. My last post was made in jest, but it's true. They are very insecure snakes.

[PDXErik]

Originally Posted by StrictlyScales

My intention was and still is to provide nice tanks for all of them not to stuff them into showboxes like trading cards. The only reason for building a rack is so that I have a place to feed them rather than feed them in their tanks. As for why I asked about feeding... sometimes things take longer than first expected. Lets say it takes 2 weeks... maybe 2 and a half... Then what??? Let them starve??? Only to have people like you critisize me for that as well??? I paid the money to house them in very nice Exoterra tanks and they have worked great until recently. I only have one problem like i mentioned earlier and that is the lack of floor space my designated snake area and wanting to add flexwatt to them. I dont think that I needed to go into great detail in order for the question to be answered. Why should I have to validate myself to you or anyone for that fact in order to get an answer or information. I thought these forums were supposed to be outlets for learning, understanding and obtaining knowledge... not for self obsorbed people to critisize and ridicule at every chance they get. I for one am severely disappointed.

These forums are meant to educate people and help one another to not kill living beings with their irresponsibility.

Apparently, you have acquired more snakes than you have room for. They are great animals.

yes, I am self absorbed because I understand a bit of what it takes to keep these guy healthy.

Either take that chip off your shoulder or gtfo.

We are trying to help, please see that.

[LadyParvati]

StrictlyScales, I can see you're feeling attacked and you're frustrated. The others are also frustrated because they love snakes and always want to see them treated well. Let's get away from the emotional stuff/sarcasm/frustration and cut through to the core of this.

The primary concern is the snakes' safety/well-being. Housing them together isn't a good idea. As you haven't the space to spread out the nice enclosures, have you thought about using smaller plastic tubs just for the 1-3 weeks it will take you to build the rack system? You'd have to ensure adequate heat & humidity somehow, but these would take up far less space in the interim. Just an idea.

[PDXErik]

I didn't need to be mean, I'm sorry.

We are trying to help.

Tubs are a great idea. You would have to heat them some how, but that's not rocket science, you can use a simple thermostat and a 4"x3' under tank heater (your herp shop should have one). Like a little rack system sitting on a desk or on a bookshelf. You might find that this works out quite well.

[Aaron_S]

I am unsure if you can properly heat exo terra enclosures with flexwatt.

Secondly, yes you are correct this place is to get information and questions answered but we can't answer the question properly without the proper information.

[PDXErik]

If it were me, I'd spend $20 on just some rubbermaid or sterilite and the $60 on the UTH/thermostat. They're good things to have around anyway, in the event of a mass mite extermination or other things that force you to relocate the inhabitants for a while.

[citysnakes]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I am unsure if you can properly heat exo terra enclosures with flexwatt.

its pretty much the same as heating rubbermaids with flexwatt.

[StrictlyScales]

I have put a shelf up above my bed while the renos take place and have started outfitting it with heat tape and tubs to house everyone till the job is finished. I appoligize to everyone for being defensive but honestly... I am doing everything possible to make these guys as comfortable as possible and give them everything that is required. When the shelving in my reptile area is finished, the exoterrras will be set up with both a heat lamp and heat tape underneath to offer up some belly heat. Everything is going to be hooked up to Helixes and Rheostats so that I can get temps just right. (Damn Helix didnt comme with Instructions) Dont know wether tho leave the decorative styrofoam in them or not but might opt to put aquarium background on them to gain the extra inch or so. If there are any suggestions on how to improve on what I plan to do... I am open to suggestions. Criticizm no, but suggestions definately! Thanks again

[LadyParvati]

I am doing everything possible to make these guys as comfortable as possible and give them everything that is required.

Good for you! We're all really glad to hear that, and, truly, we're all on your side as you work on this system to house your snakes comfortably and nicely. We're sorry we got off on the wrong foot--thanks for hanging in there with us!

Sounds like you have quite a project on your hands, and I'm really glad you came here for ideas, as these guys have many great ideas. I'm no expert on the Helixes, so I'll let the guys with the know-how make suggestions for using that!

[PDXErik]

Originally Posted by StrictlyScales

I have put a shelf up above my bed while the renos take place and have started outfitting it with heat tape and tubs to house everyone till the job is finished. I appoligize to everyone for being defensive but honestly... I am doing everything possible to make these guys as comfortable as possible and give them everything that is required. When the shelving in my reptile area is finished, the exoterrras will be set up with both a heat lamp and heat tape underneath to offer up some belly heat. Everything is going to be hooked up to Helixes and Rheostats so that I can get temps just right. (Damn Helix didnt comme with Instructions) Dont know wether tho leave the decorative styrofoam in them or not but might opt to put aquarium background on them to gain the extra inch or so. If there are any suggestions on how to improve on what I plan to do... I am open to suggestions. Criticizm no, but suggestions definately! Thanks again

Keeping these guys properly is a PITA sometimes. All of my guys have lived for 6 hours in my bathroom (the only other room I can control the temp in) at least once, a couple are veterans. Cardboard boxes, the couple of tubs I had.... It sucked for all of us.

Like I tell my boss, If it was easy, everyone would do it.

Hahaha, we all have to be open to critisism, it's the only way we get better. I know I'm not perfect.

[StrictlyScales]

Construction is underway and going well. I should be done in another day or two. I think its going to work excellent compared to what it was before. My snakes seem restless in the tubs but are doing well. I will try to track down a camera and figure out how to post pics when it is totally complete.

Originally Posted by Gib

the reason ppl stuff then in racks like trading cards is mainly because Ball pythons like small tight and DARK places..Not gonna go to africa and find them hanging out in trees sunning themselves...you find them in holes dug out by or in termite mounds or any place dark and away from eyes of predators or herd animals feet

But hey i guess puttin them in big bright display cages would probally work tooo

You can put them in tubs/racks and this might work for you but IMO a nice tank adds to the appeal and beauty of the animals in it. I find that a tank that is nice to look at also generates interest of those that would not usually be intrested which is a plus too.
And if my snakes choose to, they can still go and retreat into their hide so its a win, win, situation i think.

[Chu'Wuti]

I find that a tank that is nice to look at also generates interest of those that would not usually be intrested which is a plus too.

I agree! Plus I like it better myself, and I (anthromorphizing, I know) think the snakes will be happier, too, especially if the bright/pretty environment has some nice, dark, small hiding places!

You guys have probably noticed this, but my DH & I are learning it--our BP "makes like a branch" quite often--he drapes himself in such a way that he appears to be simply another branch on the long tree branch in his vivarium. That is, the angle at which he hangs off the branch is akin to the angles of the other branches coming off the main trunk. What a great disguise! It's really fascinating to watch. Every time he rearranges himself, the same kind of pose occurs--he never "branches" out the wrong way (an unnatural way for the tree). Am I making sense here? Anyway, it's really cool.

[StrictlyScales]

I know what u are saying. I think that snakes are more active and enjoyable to watch when they are placed in a nice setup that has things for them to climb on, explore and interact with than if they are put into a rack. When i put my snakes into tubs they dont seem to be the same. I know that some people will be quick to say that snakes dont have the brain capacity to know what enjoyment is but I have noticed a drastic changes in the way that they behave depending on what they are being house in.

P.S. I know what you are talking about when you say that they lay out on the branches and almost seem to imitate their surroundings. They camoflage effect is sometimes very cool, especially when someone looks into the tank and can find what is in there despite the snake being right in front of their face.

[Chu'Wuti]

Exactly! Sometimes even I am startled to discover my BP is right in front of my face but I didn't spot him immediately!

So glad I made some sense!